Microfinance Spotlight: Dora

My business is in construction. I have a general contractor’s license. The construction business is really bad at this moment, especially for minorities. I had to find a way to get free publicity for my business to get more jobs.

The microfinance grant I received went to advertising and getting incorporated so I can bid for bigger jobs. I purchased newspaper and Internet ads, which gave me several leads. I also identified someone I can go into business with and we should be incorporated by next month.

The money from the microfinance group is just the beginning. When we have our meetings I get new ideas, receive important information, and create lasting relationships. I am learning a lot. I see how these women make a living from nothing. One minute they don’t have anything and the next they have money in their pocket. Being around dynamic businesswomen is inspiring and we have become good friends. It helps me to see that I am not the only one struggling with making a small business successful and we support each other. The women who attend the meeting spread the word to their friends and neighbors about what I do. I have gotten two proposals so far through the microfinance group. We help each other’s business grow.

For the future, I would like to be the way I was when the economy was good. I always had work: when one job ended I had another one lined up. This has been a very humbling experience, but I am learning a lot of new business skills that will help my business remain strong through good and bad times.

The money from the microfinance group is just the beginning. When we have our meetings, I get new ideas, receive important information, and create lasting relationships. Dora